Please Remember:
Ripple is NOT a coin.
it's not the same as other currencies out there.
Ripple is a MECHANISM to transfer coins.
XRP is a coin that they made (in a bid to cash-in on the coin market).
But when you hear about Banks using Ripple as a means to transfer money in the news, they are talking about Ripple and NOT XRP.
XRP (the coin) is so popular because all the amateur investors are riding on the 'hype' of the news of Ripple Technology.
Really the whole thing is 'hot air'.
its good hot air and many people have made a tonne of money with it.
But bare in mind that XRP and Ripple are completely different things.
I'm not saying that you shouldnt invest in XRP, but I am suggesting you realize the difference between them, and how the 'Hype' of one is affecting the other. But they are in fact two very different things.